Tag Archives: milk thistle

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (scientific name Silybum marianum)
is a plant from the aster family. Silymarin is an active component of
milk thistle believed to be responsible for the herb’s health-related
properties. Milk thistle has been used in Europe for treating liver
disease and jaundice since the 16th century. In the United States,
silymarin is the most popular dietary supplement taken by people with
liver disease.

Strength of Evidence

Much research supports the conclusion that there little evidence of benefit for milk thistle as a treatment for hepatitis C.

Research Results

A 2012 controlled clinical trial,
cofunded by NCCAM and NIDDK, showed that two higher-than-usual doses of
silymarin were no better than placebo in reducing the high blood levels
of an enzyme that indicates liver damage. In the study, 154 people who
had not responded to standard antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C
were randomly assigned to receive 420 mg of silymarin, 700 mg of
silymarin, or placebo three times per day for 24 weeks. At the end of
the treatment period, blood levels of the enzyme were similar in all
three groups.

Results of the HALT-C study
suggested that silymarin use by hepatitis C patients was associated
with fewer and milder symptoms of liver disease and somewhat better
quality of life, but there was no change in virus activity or liver
inflammation. The researchers emphasized that this was a retrospective
study (one that examined the medical and lifestyle histories of the
participants). Its finding of improved quality of life in patients
taking silymarin was not confirmed in the more rigorous 2012 study
described above.

A 2009 Cochrane systematic review
assessed the beneficial and harmful effects of milk thistle in patients
with alcoholic liver disease and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases and
found that there is not enough high-quality evidence to support the use
of this intervention.

Safety

Available evidence from clinical trials in people with liver diseases suggests that milk thistle is generally well-tolerated.

Side effects can include a laxative effect, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal bloating and pain, and occasional allergic reactions.

In NIH-funded studies of silymarin in people with hepatitis C that
were completed in 2010 and 2012, the frequency of side effects was
similar in people taking silymarin and those taking placebos. However,
these studies were not large enough to prove that silymarin is safe for
people with chronic hepatitis C.

Other Supplements

Other supplements have been studied for hepatitis C, but overall, no benefits have been clearly demonstrated.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have a health benefit when consumed.

Strength of Evidence

Only a few studies have examined the effects of probiotics on hepatitis C.

Research Results

Research hasn’t produced any clear evidence that probiotics are helpful in people with hepatitis C.

Safety

Most people can use probiotics without experiencing any side
effects—or with only mild gastrointestinal side effects such as
intestinal gas —but there have been some case reports of serious adverse
effects in people with underlying serious health conditions.

Zinc

Strength of Evidence

Preliminary studies, most of which were conducted outside the United States, have examined the use of zinc for hepatitis C.

Research Results

Zinc supplements
might help to correct zinc deficiencies associated with hepatitis C or
reduce some symptoms, but the evidence for these possible benefits
is limited.

A few preliminary studies have looked at the effects of combining supplements such as lactoferrin, SAMe,
or zinc with conventional drug therapy for hepatitis C. The evidence is
not sufficient to draw clear conclusions about benefit or safety.

Safety

Zinc is generally considered to be safe when used appropriately, but it can be toxic if taken in excessive amounts.

Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid) is a compound found in licorice root.

Strength of Evidence

Glycyrrhizin has been tested in only a few clinical trials in patients with hepatitis C.

Research Results

There is currently not enough evidence to determine if glycyrrhizin is helpful for hepatitis C.

Safety

In large amounts, glycyrrhizin or licorice can be dangerous in
people with a history of hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney
failure, or cardiovascular diseases.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver
consists of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid. Colloidal silver
products are often promoted for treating various diseases, including
hepatitis C.

Strength of Evidence

Scientific evidence does not support the use of colloidal silver
to treat any disease, and serious, irreversible side effects can result
from its use.

Research Results

There is currently no research to support its use for hepatitis C.

Safety

Colloidal silver is known to cause serious side effects, including a permanent bluish discoloration of the skin called argyria.

Silibinin, a medication derived from the milk thistle plant, lowered
hepatitis C virus (HCV) levels in patients awaiting liver
transplantation in a pilot study, which may help reduce the risk of HCV
recurrence in the new liver, Spanish researchers reported in the March
2013 Journal of Hepatology.

Over years or decades chronic hepatitis C can lead to advanced liver
disease including cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, which may
necessitate liver transplantation. Unfortunately HCV almost always
reinfects the new liver, typically within months. Interferon, ribavirin,
and recently approved direct-acting antivirals have side effects that
people with severe liver damage may be unable to tolerate, and their
success is limited in this population.

The study is aimed at assessing the safety and immunogenicity of HCV prime-boost vaccinations ChAd3-hliNSmut and MVA-hliNSmut, administered intramuscularly in healthy volunteers and DAA treated patients. To read the entire study, click here Share This PageFollow Us … Continue reading → The post The study is aimed at assessing the safety and immunogenicity of HCV […]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of DAA-based regimens in the clinical practice in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Hypothesis: The efficacy and tolerability of all DAA-based regimens in the clinical practice is different to what is … Continue reading → The post Real-life Security and Efficacy of DAA-based Therapy in 1,000 […]